Apparatus, system, and method for storage in a refrigerated appliance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method for storage in a refrigerated appliance. One aspect includes glides or slides underneath and within the bottom perimeter dimensions of any bin or bin carrier relative to its supporting structure in the refrigerated appliance. This allows adjacent bins to more efficiently utilize lateral storage space in the refrigerator. It also promotes hiding of the glide or slides from view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/207,918, filed on Mar. 13, 2014, entitled“APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR STORAGE IN A REFRIGERATED APPLIANCE,”which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/833,463, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODFOR STORAGE IN A REFRIGERATED APPLIANCE,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to refrigerated appliances and, inparticular, storage of items in such appliances.

2. Problems in the Art

As advancements have occurred with refrigeration appliances, such asmaterials, temperature control, and space configuration, other advanceshave occurred regarding the variety and type of storage capabilitiesinside the appliance. Drawers, crispers, glass and wire shelves, storagebins, and plastic molded shelves are well known. But advancements intheir makeup and configuration, and the combinations of such components,continue to proceed.

One issue with shelves, drawers, or bins that can be pulled out is thestructure and components to allow them to be moved in that manner.Another issue is competition for space inside the appliance. A furtherfactor is the cost of materials, manufacturing, and assembly.

These factors, as well as other considerations faced by the designer,can be competing and sometimes even antagonistic. For example,repeatability and durability of the structure/components that allows adrawer to be pulled out and pushed in over many years is important. Thistends to drive the designer towards robust and thus perhaps more complexand costly components. It also tends to use up more space, which is tothe detriment of storage or other usable space inside the appliance.

Another example involves function. For example, a sufficiently robustslide or glide system for a relatively large crisper bin may benefitfrom components and cooperation of elements to not only guide openingand closing but control or provide assistance to such movement betweenopposite end positions. Again, competing factors of complexity, cost,robustness and durability come into play.

Another issue in slideable storage space concerns the user experiencerelative to the sliding. For example, it can be beneficial for a crisperdrawer to slide or glide smoothly and accurately between home (fullypushed into the cabinet) and fully extended, and without significantside-to-side play. But other dynamics of movement may be important tothe user. Examples are:

a. small force and/or small variation in force required to move theslideable storage;

b. relatively small displacement from intended path of travel;

c. end positions that can be felt tactilely (the user feels when thedrawer is nearing and then at fully home or extended positions);

d. minimal noise or sound when moving (e.g. clicking, scraping, orhissing);

e. no unreasonable sag (e.g. between empty and full bin).

These and other user experiences in sliding/gliding storage componentsin a refrigerated appliance must be considered which, again, can involvecompeting factors. They can include, but are not limited to, cost,aesthetics, ease of removability and re-installation into the appliance(e.g. for cleaning, repair, configuration, etc.), weight, and spaceconsumption.

Consumers of appliances can also be concerned with and their buyingdecisions based on pricing and aesthetics. These can also beantagonistic. Highly developed form with desired function(s) canincrease cost. A still further complication is that manufacturers canbenefit from presenting the type of appliance across a range of pricepoints. Some consumers want higher end, and usually higher price,brands; some want the opposite. Thus, the appliance designer also has toconsider the ability to add attractive forms and innovative functionsacross price points. Sometimes it is not possible to add some featuresand/or aesthetics to lower end price points or, if possible to add, canrepresent significant challenges to the designer.

Still further, some appliance consumers demand flexibility incustomizing an appliance, including its storage configurations. Theconsumer may have preferences regarding the placement and amount ofdifferent types of storage (e.g. bins versus shelves or racks) and theirsize and purpose. Present refrigerated appliances typically haverefrigerated compartments and freezer compartments. Examples of some ofthe types of storage are shelves and racks. But fully or partiallyenclosed storage can include such things as crispers, pantry drawers,freezer drawers, meat bins, vegetable bins, to name a few. Many timesthese storage types need to be able to be pulled out at least partiallyfrom the cabinet to allow good access to their interiors. In all this,minimal disruption to the interior space within the refrigerated andfreezer compartments is preferred. Lighting for the interior space,given all possible variations in storage configuration, can beproblematic unless it is adaptable along with changes to the storageconfiguration. Still, keeping clean lines and appearance and minimizingdisruption within the interior while accommodating multiple storage andlighting configurations is desirable.

There is a continuing need in the art for addressing these problems andissues.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is therefore a principal object, feature, aspect or advantage of thepresent invention to address and improve over problems and deficienciesin the state of the art.

Additional objects, aspects, features and advantages of the inventionrelate to an apparatus, system, or method for storage in a refrigeratedappliance which:

a. balances competing interests for storage and functionality in arefrigerated appliance;

b. can be advantageously utilized to add useful storage space;

c. can provide flexibility in cost and function of slideable storagerelative to design demands;

d. can be advantageously used by the designer for improved aesthetics;

e. can be advantageously used by the designer for highly flexibleplanning of usable space, as well as desirable functions;

f. is compatible with control and guidance features for slideablecomponents and functions demanded by consumers.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of theinvention will become apparent with reference to the accompanyingspecification and claims.

In one aspect of the invention a system of supporting and embodying astorage component in a refrigerated appliance between a home orpushed-in position and an extended or pulled-out position includes abase, a pull-out component or carriage mounted on top of the base, thepull-out component having a bottom with opposite sides, a front and arear defining a bottom perimeter, a first guide member attached to orintegrated with the bottom of the pull-out component and within theopposite lateral side edges of the bottom of the pull-out component, anda second guide member attached or integrated with the base, the secondguide member cooperating with the first guide member to guide thepull-out component relative to the base along an axis between the homeand pulled-out positions. An example is a single glide or slide rail onthe base and a single complementary or cooperating glide or slide railon the pull-out component provide the primary glide or slide for thepull-out component or carrier. The carrier can be a receiver thatremovably receives a bin or other storage component. The bin would movewith the carrier. Alternatively, the carrier can be eliminated and thepull-out member carrier can be the bin or other storage componentitself.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of supporting and guiding astorage component in a refrigerated appliance comprises providingcooperating sliding or gliding surfaces between the bottom of thestorage or pull-out component and a base underneath it where thecooperating components are underneath and within the side boundaries ofthe pull-out component.

In another aspect of the invention, instead of a single rail glide orslide configuration, a pair of rails on the base can cooperate with acomplementary pair of rails on the carrier or bin, the pair of railsbeing underneath and within the opposite sides of the bottom of thecarrier or bin.

In another aspect of the invention, additional guiding and slidingassistance can be provided. One example is one or more wheels or rollerspositioned within the opposite side edges of either the carrier (or binif no carrier) or the base and cooperating with the glides or slides onthe other of the carrier (or bin) and the base. Further examples of thetypes of movement assistance can include one or more of the following:automatically pull the slideable storage component closed (or fullyopen) as it approaches fully closed (or fully opened) position(s);control of motion; control of lateral and vertical movement; and controlof noise during movement. The designer can build in structure orcomponents to address these things. The designer can balance competingfactors, including cost and aesthetics.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for pull-out storage unitsin a refrigerated appliance is facilitated by fully under-bin glides.The glides or slides can be designed both for fixed-in-placeconfigurations or for adjustable/customizable/changeable configurationsinside the appliance.

Another aspect of the invention includes a system for pull-out storagecomponents in a refrigerated appliance which includes under-bin slidesor glides and associated components to guide and assist sliding andgliding within a range of tolerance relative an intended direction ofmovement, control resistance or provide assistance to manual pulling orpushing, and/or help the user find end-of-travel positions.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a system for under-binslides or glides across the width of one level of a refrigeratedappliance whereby the size or type of storage component can be verifiedacross that width. The system can also be implemented at plural levelsin the appliance.

An additional aspect of the invention is to provide a modulated drawersystem for a cabinet. The modulated drawer system includes a first pullout component having a bottom with side edges defining a perimeter andone or more guide members extending within the perimeter between anopposite pair of the side edges. The guide members may be configured tocooperate with one or more stationary guide members on a base of thecabinet. A storage component includes a bottom configured to receive theperimeter of the first pull out component. A shelf component includes aframe spaced between opposite side edges having a perimeter commensuratewith the storage component. The shelf component may be configured withone or more pairs of opposing, longitudinally extending guide membersextending within the shelf perimeter between an opposite pair of theside edges and one or more pairs of opposing inset guide membersdisposed between a pair of the opposing, longitudinally extending guidemembers. One exemplary aspect could include a second pull out componenthaving a bottom with side edges defining a perimeter and one or moreguide members within the perimeter having a feature cooperating with theopposing, longitudinally extending guide members and inset guidemembers.

A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a method for amodulated drawer system for a cabinet. A first pull out component havinga bottom with side edges defining a perimeter and one or more guidemembers extending within the perimeter between an opposite pair of theside edges is provided. The guide members may be configured to cooperatewith one or more stationary guide members on a base of the cabinet. Theperimeter of the first pull out component is removably received in abottom of a storage component and a shelf component may be removablyplaced over top of the storage component. The shelf component has aframe spaced between opposite side edges having a perimeter commensuratewith the storage component. The shelf component may be configured withone or more pairs of opposing, longitudinally extending guide membersextending within the shelf perimeter between an opposite pair of theside edges and one or more pairs of opposing inset guide membersdisposed between a pair of the opposing, longitudinally extending guidemembers.

Yet another aspect provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes acabinet having one or more chilled compartments and a modulated drawersystem. The modulated drawer system may be configured with a first pullout component having a bottom perimeter and one or more bottom mountedguide members extending within the perimeter between an opposite pair ofthe side edges, a storage component having bottom edges removablyreceived over the first pull out component, and a shelf component havinga frame spaced between opposite side edges. The shelf component may beconfigured with one or more longitudinally extending guide membersextending within the within the frame between an opposite pair of theside edges and one or more inset guide members disposed between a pairof the one or more longitudinally extending guide members. In anexemplary aspect, a second pull out component has a bottom with sideedges defining a perimeter having guide members within the perimeterthat include a feature cooperating with the one or more longitudinallyextending guide members and the one or more inset guide members on theshelf component.

A still further aspect provides a modulated drawer and shelf system fora cabinet. The system includes at least one conductive element on avertical rail in a wall of the cabinet and a shelf component having aframe spaced between opposite side walls of the cabinet. The shelfcomponent is supported in part by at least one bracket removablyattached to the vertical rail. A base component is spaced betweenopposite side walls of the cabinet. At least one pull out component isconfigurably carried by the base component. The pull out component has abottom with side edges defining a perimeter and one or more guidemembers extending within the perimeter between an opposite pair of theside edges. In one configuration, at least one of the components of themodulated drawer and shelf system has one or more lighting elements. Theone or more lighting elements may be electrically coupled to the atleast one conductive element.

Yet another aspect provides a method for a modulated drawer and shelfsystem for a cabinet. In one configuration, at least one conductiveelement is provided on a vertical rail in an interior wall of thecabinet. A frame of a shelf component is operably supported betweenopposite side walls of the cabinet with at least one bracket removablyattached to the vertical rail. At least one pull out component isremovably supported on a base component spaced between opposite sidewalls of the cabinet. The at least one conductive element iselectrically coupled with one or more lighting elements housed in atleast one of the components.

A still further aspect provides a refrigerator with a cabinet having oneor more chilled compartments and a modulated drawer system. The drawersystem may be configured to include at least one conductive element on avertical rail in a wall of the cabinet and a vertically adjustablecomponent having a frame spaced between opposite side walls of thecabinet. The vertically adjustable component may be configured to besupported in part by at least one bracket removably attached to thevertical rail. The modulated drawer system may also be configured with abase component having a frame spaced between opposite side walls of thecabinet. At least one horizontally adjustable component may beconfigurably carried by the base component. The horizontally adjustablecomponent may also be configured to having a bottom with side edgesdefining a perimeter and one or more guide members extending within theperimeter between an opposite pair of the side edges. In one aspect, atleast one of the components has one or more lighting elements that areelectrically coupled to the at least one conductive element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS General Concept of Under Bin Glides

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the interior of a refrigeratedappliance showing several under-bin glide storage bins according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1A, particularlyfocused on one set of under bin glide storage bins across one horizontalplane of the appliance.

FIG. 1C is an isolated view of the storage components apart from therefrigerated appliance cabinet.

FIG. 1D is an isolated perspective view of the storage components ofFIG. 1B, showing two single-wide bins and one double-wide bin along thesame horizontal level.

FIG. 1E is a similar view to FIG. 1D but shows an alternativearrangement of storage components (four single-wide bins) that could beutilized with the same under-bin glide system of FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1F is a still further example of an alternative storage binconfiguration (one single-wide and one triple-wide bin) using the sameunder-bin glide system of FIGS. 1B and 1E.

FIG. 1G is a schematic illustrating plural alternative configurations ofdifferent bins for the same under-bin glide system of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1H is an exploded view of a shelf of FIGS. 1A and 1C.

FIG. 1I is a perspective view of a left rail, center rail, right railand an enlarged view of the center rail of FIGS. 1A and 1C.

One Rail Example

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment according tothe present invention showing two opaque storage bins on an under-binglide system and a shelf above those opaque bins.

FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A showing the same under-bin glide system(without the shelf above) but showing how one of the bins slides on anunder-bin glide system.

FIG. 2C is an isolated view of the under-bin glide system according tothis exemplary embodiment, namely showing a base with independentlyglideable bin carriers (three of them) but without any bins placed onthe bin carriers.

FIG. 2D is an isolated view of the base of FIG. 2C, showing under-binglide components for the left side of the base, a smaller middle bincarrier in operating position in the middle of the base and just thebase for the right side. FIG. 2D also shows an optional tolerancetake-up system and anti-tip system for the right-side (it could be usedfor the middle and left side too) that could be used with the carrier tocontrol its movement.

FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of the right side of FIG. 2D showing asingle rail under-bin glide system including a rail mounted on the baseand also a complementary rail that would be mounted to the bottom of acarrier plate (not shown) and which would slide in the base rail.

FIG. 2F is an exploded view of the right-most carrier and bin of FIG. 2A(the two left-most carriers are shown assembled).

FIG. 2G is similar to FIG. 2F but shows the base single rail andtolerance/anti-tip systems assembled to the base.

FIG. 2H is a bottom perspective view of right-most bin carrier of FIG.2F showing tolerance take-up structure and end stops.

FIG. 2I is a sectional view of the assembled bin, carrier, and base ofthe right-most bin of FIG. 2F.

FIG. 2J is a still further enlarged close up sectional of thecomplementary under bin glide single rail components of the base andcarrier of FIG. 2I.

FIG. 2K is a top plan diagrammatic view illustrating how the tolerancetake-up system associated with the horizontal wheels on pivoting arms ofthe base cooperates with the oppositely bowed thin walls to control andinfluence speed and resistance to movement to and from oppositeends-of-travel.

FIG. 2L is similar to FIG. 2K but shows the carrier partially pulled-outto illustrate operation of the tolerance take-up system.

Two Rail Example

FIG. 3A is another alternative exemplary embodiment (two rail version)according to the present invention showing just one base, bin carrierand storage bin.

FIG. 3B is an isolated view of the bin carrier and base of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an isolated view of the base of FIG. 3B including ahome-finding device.

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the bin carrier of FIG. 3B includingguidance and home-finding structure.

FIG. 3E is an exploded view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 3A showing how the tworail under-bin glide example works.

FIG. 3G is a still further enlarged isolated view of the complementaryglide rails of base and bin carrier on the right side only.

Dual Rail, Low Friction Surface(s) Example

FIG. 4A is another alternative exemplary embodiment (two rail, lowfriction) according to the present invention in perspective view with abase, three side-by-side bin carriers, and bins set into the outer twobin carriers only. A glass shelf that could be independently mounted inthe refrigerated appliance and act essentially as a cover for the binsis also shown.

FIG. 4B is the combination of FIG. 4A without the optional andindependent glass shelf.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the bin carriers and base of FIG. 4B.FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 4B showing itsunder-bin glides just with the right-most bin.

FIG. 4E is an isolated view of a tolerance control component forassisting in guided movement of the bin.

FIG. 4F is an isolated perspective view of the two rail under-bin glidesin partially extended position.

FIG. 4G is an exploded view of the right-most bin, bin carrier, and baseof FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4H is an enlarged sectional view of the assembled bin, carrier, andbase of FIG. 4G.

FIG. 4I is a still further enlarged isolated view of the right sideglide combination of base and carrier of FIG. 4H.

Horizontal Roller Example

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a still further alternative exemplaryembodiment (using horizontal rollers and rails) according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B is similar to Figure SA but with the over-shelf removed.

FIG. 5C is similar to FIG. 5B but shows one set of under-bin glide orslide components (horizontal wheel pairs relative to tracks or rails oncarrier bottom and base top) for the right-most bin of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is an exploded view of the right-most bin, carrier and base ofFigure SA.

FIG. 5E is a bottom plan view of the carrier of FIG. 5D, illustratinghorizontal

wheel set that cooperate with rails on the base shown in FIG. 5D, aswell as rails that cooperate with horizontal wheels on the base shown inFIG. 5D.

FIG. 5F is a sectional view of the assembled bin, carrier, and base ofFIG. 5D.

FIG. 5G is a top plan view diagrammatical depiction of how the differenthorizontal wheel pairs cooperate with rail pairs between the carrier andthe base, showing the carrier in the fully closed or pushed in position.

FIG. 5H is similar to FIG. 5G but shows the carrier pulled out towardsfully extended position.

FIG. 5I is a partially exploded view of the base of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5J is a sectional view of the base take along line 5J-5J in FIG.5I.

Tolerance Take-Up Wheel Example

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a tolerance take-up wheel of thetype that could be used with the embodiment of FIG. 5A-5E or otherembodiments.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the wheel of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a side elevation of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6D is a further enlarged isolated bottom perspective view of FIG.6A.

Injection-Molded Shelf Under Bin Glide Example

FIG. 7A is a still further exemplary embodiment (injection moldedshelves with single track under bin glide) according to the presentinvention showing two spaced apart injection molded shelves that can bemounted in a refrigerated appliance and different bins that could beutilized with under-bin glides.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view illustrating three under-bin glides(without the bins) for the two smaller bins shown under the top shelf inFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is similar to FIG. 7B but includes the bins and shows them in apartially pulled-out position.

FIG. 7D is a front elevation view of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is a greatly enlarged section view of one under-bin glide ofFIG. 7C.

FIG. 7F is a reduced-in-scale front elevation illustrating how theunder-bin glide shelves of FIG. 7A can fit into a refrigerated appliancecabinet, and also shows other types of storage bins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Overview

For a better understanding of the invention, several example forms theinvention can take will now be described in detail. It is to beunderstood these are examples only and neither inclusive nor exclusiveof the different forms and configurations the invention can take.

These embodiments will be described in the context of a consumerrefrigeration appliance, e.g., refrigerator, refrigerator/freezer, orfreezer.

Refrigerator appliance 10 has a thermally insulated cabinet 12. See FIG.1A. The cabinet includes an interior defined by liner opposite sidewalls 14, 16 and top and bottom walls 18, 20 for a particularcompartment (cold food, freezer, or other) of the refrigerator appliance10.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A (the refrigeration appliance outer door isremoved for clarity) several different storage components are in placein cabinet 12. Examples are vertically moveable shelves 26 (moveable onvertical rails 24 mounted to the cabinet back wall 22 by any of a numberof structures and methods such as are known in the art).

FIG. 1A also shows a bin assembly 30 comprising a horizontal level ofside-by-side storage bins 36. As can be seen, storage bins are basicallyclosely adjacent to one another and span essentially the entire width ofthe interior cabinet 12 between liner walls 14, 16. There are nosubstantial spaces between bins. This is facilitated by what will becalled under-bin glides.

As can be seen by the figures, one benefit of the under-bin glides isthat they promote an efficient use of storage space. A base 32 isunderneath the plural bins 36. That base 32 can be essentially a plateof relative low profile or height attached to opposite liner wall sides14 and 16. It presents basically a horizontal surface. In this exemplaryembodiment what will be called bin carriers 34 are mounted on baseplate32. As seen better in FIG. 1C, the bin carriers are essentially platesor trays that are slidable relative to base 32 so that each carrier 34can be independently manually pulled forward or pushed back into thehome position in cabinet 12 (the positions shown in FIG. 2C). Carriers32 are also relatively low profile or small height components that donot take up a lot of vertical space in cabinet 12.

In this embodiment bins 36 are set on top of at least one carrier 34 ina manner that is mateably received by the one or more carriers and whenbin 36 is pulled forward it pulls the one or more carriers 34 on whichit sits. By this it is meant that a single bin 36 can be set on top of asingle slideable carrier 34 and be independently pulled out or extendedfrom home or fully retracted position in cabinet 12. But further, asingle bin 36 that is laterally wider than a single carrier 34 can beconfigured to sit on top of plural carriers 34 and be independentlypulled out and pushed in with those plural carriers. Still further, ofcourse, plural bins 36 each narrower than a single carrier could beplaced on top of that single carrier and both could be pulled out intandem facilitated by the concurrent sliding of the single carrier.

Importantly, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1G, this wouldallow high flexibility to the user in configuring the storage inappliance 10. If the carriers 34 are all of the same width and mountedacross one horizontal base 32, there could be one-to-one correspondenceof each bin 36 to a carrier 34. The bins could be the same or similarwidth as the carriers-presenting a row of same-width bins across cabinet12. Or there could be a wider bin that spans and seats into twocarriers. Essentially it would be a “double-wide” bin 36B. Stillfurther, if more than two carriers, there could be a still wider bin 36C(“triple-wide” if three carriers, “four-wide” if four carriers, and soon). In FIG. 1G, single wide bins 36A can be used on one cabinet level.Wider bins can be used. Or different width bins can be intermixed. FIG.1G even can allow (although not independently slideable) two smaller(112 wide bins 38) per carrier.

As can be seen in these Figures, a single cabinet-wide base 32 couldsupport multiple carriers 34. A slide or glide system would be fullyunderneath each carrier. The slide or glide systems would be essentiallyhidden, especially when the carriers are in fully pushed back or homepositions. And the slide or glide systems are low vertical profile. Thebase, slide or glide system and carriers do not take up much verticalspace. A storage member or component (here a bin 36) can be seated ontoone or more carriers 34. Thus, the bin 36 is slideable/glideable betweenhome and extended positions by a user either pulling on the bin 36 orthe carrier 34. In most cases it will be by pulling on the bin. Therecan be a handle on the bin to help facilitate this.

As shown in Figures I-F, multiple levels of under-bin glide systems canbe added to a single cabinet 12. The low vertical profile of multiplelevels is indicated. There can be not only the appearance of no wastedspace laterally across each level, but also by appropriate spacing eachbase 12 vertically in cabinet 12, plural rows of bins give theappearance of efficient use of vertical space also.

On the other hand, the carriers could be of different widths. Asindicated in FIGS. 1A-F, there could be one-to-one correspondence ofbins to carriers even if some of the bins are of different widths. Buteven in that situation, a different width bins combinations could besupported by the different sized carriers so long as the total width ofall bins fits across the space between liner walls 14 and 16.

The precise configuration of carrier width to bins and bin width canvary according to design. But it allows a number of possibilities ofcustomized or changing the storage regimen in a particular appliance 10.

In this manner, the entire bin assembly 30 presents a very efficient useof space laterally across the storage capacity of cabinet 12. Unlikeconventional refrigerator bins, many of them hang then from side railswith rollers that extend outside the perimeter of the bin. This preventsthe bins sidewalls from being closely adjacent and thus gives up somestorage space in that layer of bin.

Of course, by putting base 32 and carriers 34 underneath bins 36, somevertical space in the cabinet is taken up. However, by selection ofmaterials with sufficient robustness and structural strength, base 32can be quite thin as can the carrier 34. One example is use of theapproved refrigerator grade plastics that can be produced to support theweight of carriers 34 and bins 36, including when bins 36 are filledwithin normal ranges for the types of products they would store, andprobably some additional margin of reasonable error. In short, thedesign places the interface between the base and the carrier whichguides and promotes a low coefficient of friction movement between baseand carrier in a relatively small vertical height to allow the bins tobe closely adjacent across that elevation.

As indicated in FIGS. 1A through F, a glass or other material of shelf26 could be adjustably positioned just above bins 36 and effectivelyform at least two functions; one being a storage shelf, the other beinga de facto cover for the bins.

As can be further appreciated by FIGS. 1A through F, an advantage ofusing bin carriers instead of mounting bins directing on the base isthat different combinations of bins can be arranged in refrigerationdevice 10. Consider for the examples in FIGS. 1A-P. Assume there arefour bin carriers 34, each of equal width, operatively mounted acrossone horizontal level of a base 32. At least one glides between eachcarrier and base are within the outside perimeter sides of each carrier34.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1E, four what will be called single-wide bins36 could be placed side-by-side on that horizontal elevation in thecabinet 12. As is indicated in FIG. 1C, each bin carrier 34 could haveessentially a lip or raised perimeter wall 50 into which thecorresponding sized bin 36 could be matingly placed. Then, pulling thebin forward would cause it to glide or slide on carrier 34 forward togain that mechanical advantage of a slider/glide mechanism betweencarrier 34 and base 32. Each of the four bins 36 could be independentlypulled forward and pushed back. Note how the relatively thin base andcarriers, essentially hiding the glide mechanisms or systems, provide avery clean aesthetic and the bins are essentially directly adjacent toone another using the space efficiently. Note how the aesthetics fitswell with relatively thin glass shelving 26 in cabinet 12.

Compare the above to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D. Assuming still four carriersof equal width across the cabinet 12, here two single wide bins 36 areeach mounted on one carrier 34 (the two left-most bins). But adouble-wide bin 36 is mounted on the two right-most carriers. In thisconfiguration two smaller, independently slideable bins co-exist withone bigger bin.

FIG. 1F shows a still further possibility. Instead of four bins 36,there could be one single-wide bin 36 like in FIG. 1E (the left-most)spanning one carrier 34, and one triple wide bin 36 (the right-most);which would span three bin carriers 34. The underside of double-wide,triple-wide, or wider bins 36B could contain an indent, slot, or otherstructure to receive the lip edges 50 of adjacent carriers 34 that itspans so that it can be stable and mated into those plural carriers 34.Forward manual pulling of a double- or triple-wide bin would cause it toslide or glide forward on two or three carriers 34, respectively,relative to base 32.

FIG. 1G gives further schematic illustration of the variety of differentconfigurations possible. This provides high flexibility regardingconsumers' desires for storage capabilities and again is an efficientuse of space because in each configuration, at least the side-by-sidestorage space is effectively used by allowing sidewalls of the bins tobe closely adjacent.

Therefore, this under-bin slide system takes advantage of at least thefollowing things.

A relatively thin base is supported in cabinet 12 at a verticalelevation. A set of relatively thin bin carriers is mounted on top ofthe base. A slide or glide system is basically hidden between the baseand each carrier to allow independent sliding of each carrier 34relative to base 32. The slide(s) or glide(s) are positioned inside theopposite sides of each carrier so that appropriately-sized bins 36placed on the carriers can have their sidewalls essentially adjacent forefficient space use for storage.

Additionally, the under-bin glides or slides, even with the added layersof carriers and base, still promote efficient use of vertical interiorspace for cabinet 12.

Further, optionally a shelf 26 can both support another vertical layerof products or devices and function as a cover for the slideable bins.Of course, the bins could have a different or individual and moreintegrated covers.

As indicated in the figures, the combination also provides a clean,aesthetically-pleasing look. There is an appearance of more storagespace. Thus the invention promotes both lateral and vertical effectiveand efficient use of space in refrigeration device 10.

The following are several specific examples of a few of the forms theinvention can take. As will be seen, each of the embodiments can beimplemented in the under-bin context which promotes bins which can bepositioned essentially adjacent across all or part of a lateralhorizontal level in the cabinet of a refrigerated appliance with theglides or slides that allow the bin to be pulled out from the cabinet tobe essentially hidden from view. The under bin slides or glides are lowprofile in the sense the whole assembly (base, slide(s)/glide(s), andbin (or carrier and bin) is an efficient use of vertical space in thecabinet also. The designer can select a type of under bin glide or slidefor all bins in the cabinet, or different glide(s)/slide(s) fordifferent bins. The bins can be uniform in size, or differ.

FIGS. 1A-1C, 1H and 1I show still further aspects for one or moreconfigurations of the space within cabinet 12. As illustrated, one ormore of the shelves 26 may be configured to include one or more lightelements 27. The light elements 27 may be configured as an LED light baror strip as best illustrated in FIG. 1H. In one configuration, the lightelement 27 may be disposed between the frame 29 and glass shelfcomponent 31 as pictorially represented in FIGS. 1A and 1C each shelf 26is configured generally to include a frame component 29 which may beconfigured of an electrically conductive material. A glass shelfcomponent 31 configured of a durable glass component and having goodoptical transmission properties is disposed within the frame component29. A light element 27 such as an LED strip is disposed between theglass shelf component 31 and the frame component 29. One or moreconductive frame elements 33 may be configured to support the glassshelf component 31 within the frame component 29. According to at leastone configuration, the conductive frame elements 33 are configured of anelectrically conductive material. The conductive frame elements 33 maybe disposed within the shelf 26 so as to be connected in electricalcommunication with the light element 27. Together, the frame component29, glass shelf component 31, light element 27, and conductive frameelement 33 form at least one configuration of a shelf 26. One or moreshelf brackets 35 may be used to adjustably support the shelf 26 at oneor more positions 37 along vertical rails 24, best illustrated in FIG.1I.

According to one configuration, shelf brackets 35 when supporting shelf26 are electrically coupled with one or more conductive frame elements33 which, in turn, are electrically coupled with one or more lightelements 27 disposed within the shelf 26. In this manner, shelves 26 maybe reconfigured at any location along vertical rails 24 within thecabinet 12 to provide for multiple shelf 26 configurations where thelighting is reconfigured with the shelves and electrically coupled tothe vertical rails 24 at any of the reconfigurable positions within thecabinet 12. In at least one configuration, as best illustrated in FIG.1I, vertical rails 24 include one or more electrically conductive strips25. Shelf brackets 35 when mounted at one or more locations 37 alongvertical rails 24 are electrically coupled with the electricallyconductive strip 25. In this manner, one or more light elements 27within a shelf 26 may be electrically coupled to the electricallyconductive strips 25 by one or more shelf brackets 35 electricallycoupled to one or more conductive frame elements 33. In at least oneconfiguration, electrically conductive strips 25 are connected andconfigured to receive electricity from the electrical system forpowering one or more operations associated with the cabinet 12. In oneaspect, minimal wattage is communicated through electrically conductivestrips 25, through one or more shelf brackets 35, one or more conductiveframe elements 33 to power one or more light elements 27 within shelf26. In any of the positions 37 along the vertical rail 24, one or moreshelf brackets 35 associated with shelves 26 are electrically coupledwith the electrically conductive strip 25 for powering one or more lightelements 27 within shelves 26. As pictorially represented in FIGS.1A-1C, the light elements 27 may be positioned or located in the shelf26 at various locations. For example, one or more light elements 27 maybe positioned on opposing sides of the glass shelf component 31. Inanother aspect, one or more light elements 27 may be positioned onadjoining sides of glass shelf component 31. In another configuration, asingle light element 27 may be positioned along an edge of the glassshelf component 31 between the glass shelf component 31 and the framecomponent 29 as previously discussed. In at least one configuration, forproviding illumination from the top wall 18 of the cabinet 12 a lightingelement 27 may be housed within a frame component 29 configured to holda glass component 31 through which light from the light element 27 istransmitted for illuminated at least the upper portion within thecabinet 12. The lighting elements 27 may be powered using theelectrically conductive strip 25 on the vertical rails 24 or byseparately coupling the lighting element 27 to the electrical system forpowering one or more operations within the cabinet 12. In at least oneother configuration, the base 32 may also be configured to include oneor more light elements 27. FIGS. 1A-1C provide pictorial representationsof base 32 configured with one or more light elements 27, which isdiscussed in greater detail below.

Single Center Glide Exemplary Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 2A-L, a specific under-bin glide assembly 30 isshown. It provides the same or similar features as discussed regardingFIGS. 1A-1G. A plurality of bins 36 each sit on one or more bin carriers34 that each have a single slide or glide underneath their perimeterrelative to base 32. This allows each bin 36 to have sidewallsessentially adjacent any adjacent bin or adjacent a sidewall 14 or 16 ofthe refrigerator liner or cabinet 12, and at least substantially hidethe slide or glide from direct view.

FIG. 2A shows a shelf 26 could be independently mounted and supportedslightly above the top-most level of any bin 36 on base 12 to provide acover to any bin 36 below it. Bins can be any of a variety ofconfigurations. Examples would be plastic, glass, metal, or othermaterials. They could be opaque, clear, translucent, or a combination(for example, clear bins would allow the user to better see the contentsof the bin and even perhaps other parts of the cabinet). They couldpresent different aesthetics and different functionalities (crispers,fruit, meat, etc.).

Assembly 30 in FIGS. 2A-L differs from that in FIGS. 1A-G in that thetwo outside bin carriers 32 are wider than a third middle thinner bincarrier 34. This allows use of either just two bins of the size of FIG.2A or B without a middle bin, and still provides a pleasing look becausethe middle bin slides or glides are hidden by the bin carrier. Themiddle carrier 34 can simply not be used, or it could be used as aslideable shelf to support objects in its upper surface.

Alternatively, a narrower middle bin 36 (not shown) could be used onmiddle carrier 34.

But further, similar to FIGS. 1A-G, different width bins 36 could beused across assembly 30 of FIGS. 2A-L. For example, a single wider bin36, like shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, could be placed on the left-mostcarrier 34. A width and a half second bin 36 could be placed on and spanmiddle and right-most carrier 34. Alternatively, a two and a half widesingle bin 36 could be placed on and span all three carriers 34. It isalso possible to place two half-width bins (the width of middle carrier34 in FIGS. 2A-L) on a single full width carrier 34 (the left and rightcarriers 34 in FIGS. 2A-L). This could allow five half width bins to beplaced on carriers 34. Other combinations of course are possible.

FIG. 2C shows base 32 and three carriers 34 without any bins on them.Each carrier has a lip 38 that can retain the bin. It can restrain theback side of a bin. The lip goes around a substantial portion of eachcarrier 32, including the front. A fa<;ade 39 could be added to thefront for additional finishing affect. As can be seen, lip 38 can vanishnear the front of each carrier 34. This can allow for bins wider than asingle carrier to be configured on their bottom surface to mateably bereceived in multiple carriers as previously described. Additionally notein FIG. 2C that there can be some space between carriers 34. The binscan have bottoms that fit snuggly inside the lip(s) 38 of one or morecarriers 34 but expand laterally and depth-wise outside the perimeterdimensions of the carrier(s) to essentially almost abut one another whenin mounted position. But the bins do not have to have thatcharacteristic. They could be of a variety of sizes and even quite a bitsmaller than the perimeter(s) of the carriers.

FIGS. 2D-2L illustrate one example of an under-bin glide system that canbe used between base 32 and each carrier 34. In this example, a metal ormetalized base rail 50 has a front end 52 at or near the front edge ofbase 32 and a rear end 54 near the back edge of base 32. Rail 50 has anessentially elongated flat bar for a backbone with opposite lateralsides 56 and 58 that are essentially two facing C-channels. Rail 50would be secured to the top surface 40 of base 32 by any of a number ofmeans known to those skilled within the art. This could include screws,bolts, adhesives, and other methods of securement.

The other part of the single center glide of FIGS. 2A-L is carrier rail60. It is a metal or metalized elongated piece having a similar lengthand width to base rail 50. Its side edges 66 and 68 matingly fit withinthe C-channels at 56 and 58 of rail 50 as shown in FIGS. 2E, 2I, and 2J.It can have a slightly raised center section 69 such that when rail 60is slidably inserted in rail 50, the sidewalls of raised section 69 helpguide rail 60 as it slides relative to rail 50. The sidewalls of section69 are just slightly narrower than facing free-edges of C-channels 56and 58. Rail 60 is secured to the bottom of carrier 34 by any of anumber of methods.

The material make-up of rails 50 and 60 can vary. One possiblecombination would be to use dissimilar materials which have a combinedeffect of reducing the coefficient of friction between them. Anotherexample would be surface finishes on one or more of rails 50 and 60which do the same. A benefit of the combination is that a single railcombination at or near the center of carrier 34 is used to support andguide slideable movement of the corresponding carrier 34.

An example of a coating to reduce friction could be a PTFE coating orpaint. Others are possible. Also, the designer could demand closetolerances in manufacturing of the cooperating halves of the single railto promote smaller resistance against relative movement. But, on theother hand, the designer could accept greater tolerances to reduce costand complexity, if it would adequately function for a particularappliance or bin in an appliance. In any event, the single rail systemcan essentially be two relatively low profile metal pieces. In oneexample in a refrigerator the single rail can be only V2 inch wide.Other widths and dimensions are, of course, possible. This does not takeup much room under the carrier or bin. It would essentially be hiddenfrom view from many viewing angles. It would allow bin width thatessentially could go right up to an adjacent bin, wall, or otherstructure. This gives not only a clean look and perception of greaterstorage capacity (and less wasted space), but can give actual greaterlateral storage space.

FIGS. 2D-L also illustrate another optional feature of assembly 30. Whatwill be called the tolerance take up wheels 72 can be rotatably mountedat axes 74 on distal ends of respective curved aims 76. Arms 76 pivot onaxes 78. As schematically illustrated, a tension spring 86 between thedistal ends of arms 76 (e.g. spring 86 could be placed along the bottomof base 12 and connect to arms 76 through apertures in base 12 at thosedistal ends. Spring 86 would resist horizontal separation of wheels 72.Spring 86 can be of any of a number of forms and specifications asneeded.

The underside of bin carrier 34 has structure that would be followed bywheels 72 when carrier 34 is slid relative to base 32. One example isshown at FIGS. 2H. Spaced apart and oppositely outwardly bowed rails orwalls 93 are formed or positioned along the bottom of carrier 34. Frontportions 95 (near carrier front edge 92) and rear portions 97 (nearcarrier rear edge 94) are closer together than the middle portion. Endstops 99 can also be formed or positioned near the back underside ofcarrier 34. The bowed middles of guides 93 are closer to oppositelateral sides 96 and 98, respectively, of carrier 32 than ends 95 and 97of guides 93.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2K and 2L, when carrier 34 is in a home or fullypushed-back position relative to base 12 (FIG. 2K), wheels 72 try topush carrier even further back. This helps and biases carrier 34 to itshome position. Even if the user quits pushing prior to carrier reachinghome, wheels 72 try to converge and exert forces on ends 95 of rails 73to “squirt” and then hold carrier 34 to home position. The user wouldfeel this automatic force and it would help the user and the carrier to“find” home position.

As shown in FIG. 2L, if a user manually pulls carrier 34 at or nearfront edge 92 (or pulls a bin 36 on carrier 34) out from home byovercoming the home-biasing force of wheels 72 and spring 86, wheels 72would be forced by rails 93 to spread apart further. This would generateadditional converging forces and thus help guide movement of carrier asits slides on single glide 50/60. The user would tactilely feel thispinching action, but it could help control speed and smoothness ofsliding. If carrier is pulled far enough out that wheels 72 reach rearconverging portions 97 of rails 93, a similar “squirting” force wouldact to push carrier 34 to its fully extended position (similar tofinding home, as described above). The user would tactilely feel theassistance to find fully extended position. But it would be in a smoothand controlled way. End stops 99 could mechanically determine the fullyout or fully extended position relative to some aligned andappropriately positioned structure extending from base 12.

The corresponding structure underneath bin carrier 34 (see FIG. 2H) isnon-linear. Other shapes and configurations are possible to createdifferent effects. As can be appreciated, this combination can tend toguide slideable movement of bin carrier 34 but also produce what iscalled a soft close and open functions. The ridges 93 underneath bincarrier 34 converge at opposite ends. Thus, when bin carrier 34 reachestowards its opposite sliding extremes, the wheels 72 are drawn bytension spring 86 towards each other to promote automatic movement ofthe bin to either extreme position. In other words, the manual movementof the bin away from an extreme position has to overcome thatcombination of ridges 93 and tension the wheels 72 but when pulledtowards its opposite extreme position, the tension of the wheels 72actually help move the bin to that opposite extreme position in acontrolled (“soft”) manner By “soft close” it means moving it back toits original home position; by “soft open” moving it all the way out toits fully extended position. As can be appreciated, just one of “softopen” or “soft close” could be used instead of both.

Another optional feature shown in the figures are stability wheels 80.An axle 81 mounted along the front edge of base 32 can rotatably retainwheels 80. Their elevation and rotation help smooth the gliding movementof carrier 34 and any bin 36 on it, and also resists tipping of thecarrier 34 and thus the bin 36.

A similar single rail under-bin glide system and, optionally, the softopen and/or close and stability subsystems can also be mounted on base32 for each carrier 34. Only one is shown in the drawings forsimplicity. Thus each carrier 34 has its own single rail under-bin glidesystem.

As can be appreciated, the specific nature and characteristics of the“soft close” or “soft open” can vary according to design or need. Someof the rules or principles the designer could contemplate include butare not limited to the following:

Slope (draw) up to peak force. The shorter the time to peak (e.g. wherewheels 72 are pushed the farthest apart), the better for manysituations. While this varies by technology (e.g. plastic on plastic,metal on metal, wheel-based, rails, etc.), all of these have optimal orbeneficial solutions to shorten the time/distance to peak. Generally,the lower the amplitude (pounds of force) the smoother the draw(displacement×pounds of force).

Peak force (pounds of force). It is frequently beneficial to have peakforce very short. The amount of force felt after peak many times shoulddecay quickly. In some situations the decay would beneficially be almostinstantaneous. Additionally, one design would have no extended amount offorce after peak to achieve a “sticky” feeling.

Slope (decay). Slope refers to change in elevation (y=mx+b). One designrule can be for slope to be instant or almost instant, and thetransition into the residual (sliding/rolling) clean. This is atime/distance based metric and can be developed and selected by thedesigner according to desire or need.

Residual (travel). The smaller the force deltas, the better theperception of smoothness by the user in many situations. Minimal forcespikes indicate smooth movement along the surface.

Removal/replacement. If and when a component becomes free from its fixedposition, one design calls for it being easily replaced into theoriginal position. This can be a time-based metric developed andselected by the designer according to desire or need.

Displacement (vertical/horizontal). It can be beneficial to limitdisplacement in either direction. In one design for a crisper bin for arefrigerated appliance, horizontal displacement can be less than 5-10 mmwhen the bin is half-extended and 10-15 mm when fully extended; andvertical displacement could be on the order of less than 10 mm but thiscan vary with each design. Of course, this can vary according to need ordesire.

Sound. In some designs it would be beneficial to minimize foreign noises(e.g. clicking, scraping, or hissing by the movement of the carrier orcarrier/bin and the glide system and the tolerance and/or anti-tipsystems, or other components). On the other hand, there may beacceptable subdued extension sounds (e.g. rail transition clicks to givethe user an auditory and/or tactile indication of position of thecarrier/bin).

Weighted/unweighted awareness. In some designs it will be beneficial toallow some sag in the system (e.g. to give the user awareness of whetherthe bin is full or empty).

It can be beneficial many times for the designer to have as a goal a“quality feel” to action of the guides that allow the bin or storagecomponent to slide or glide. This may include features like thefollowing.

“Soft close”. The bin, carrier, or other slideable/glideable componentis assisted to its home or closed position (pushed all the way into therefrigerator cabinet). The bin is essentially automatically pulled closeonce the user pushes the bin to a position near closed. This can beaccomplished in a variety of ways. Examples include cooperating rampedor otherwise specifically formed surfaces, elastomer materials, ormechanical mechanisms (e.g. springs or air cylinders). Other methods arepossible. It is also possible to add a “soft open” function (a similarthing for urging the bin to a fully open position).

Controlled glide/slide motion. The bin, carrier, or other storagecomponent can likewise be given some control of movement (speed,resistance to travel, etc.) via cooperating surfaces (e.g. ramped,variation in friction along glides or slides, springs, or elastomers).Other methods are possible.

Control of lateral movement. What might be called “rattle”, “wobble”, orthe like can also be controlled by guides, cooperating surfaces,rollers, and the like. This can help the “quality feel” or smoothness ofoperation of movement of the storage component. It can also allowessentially side-by-side placement of bins to provide perceived oractual increase in storage space while minimizing or preventing adjacentbins from hitting or banging into one another or a cabinet wall duringmovement.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above and otherdesign criteria, metrics, or options can be evaluated and included orused in any combination. The foregoing are intended to give the readersome design considerations that could be important for someapplications, such as in refrigerated appliances.

Dual Rail Exemplary Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3G, another alternative embodiment (assembly200) is illustrated. It has the benefit of under-bin glides with thecarrier in between the base and the bin for efficient lateral storagespace use. The carrier 234 and base 232 are relatively thin to savevertical space. The main differences from the preceding embodiments areas follows. In these drawings, the bins 36 are narrower in lateral widththan a corresponding carrier. However, bins 36 can be as wide as thecarrier.

Base 232 has two under-bin rails 250 at opposite sides. In thisembodiment they are inwardly facing c-channels. They also include aninner c-channel insert 251 (e.g. nylon, acetal, PTFE, or the like).

Bin carrier 234 has added edge rails 260 that include a distal edge thatwould matingly fit in the c-channel inserts 251 of base plate 236.

As shown in FIG. 3E, the entire combination of cooperating structures toprovide sliding/gliding movement between a carrier 234 relative to abase 232 are within the perimeter of the bottom of carrier 234 when thecarrier is in home position. This allows side walls of bins 236 toclosely adjacent to one another. The two rail or dual rail systemprovides surface-to-surface slide movement with low friction coatingsand nylon glide c-channel inserts.

FIGS. 3A-3G also show a closing assistance subsystem 270. The curvedmetal plate at the front of base plate 232 cooperates with tapered rails293 on the bottom of bin carrier 234 similar to tensioned wheels 72 andbowed rails 93 of FIGS. 2K and 2L. Plate 270 has a front edge 272 andrear or posterior edge 271. Front tapered edges 295 of rails 293 wouldclear the upraised posterior edge 271 of spring steel piece 270, whichwould bias carrier 234 towards the home position and tend to keep itthere (a “soft close” and assistance to find home). When the user pullscarrier 234 out, and overcomes the resistance that is presented by rails293 getting thicker and having to work against spring 270, there will bea controlled resistance until the posterior edge of spring 270 hits thetapering 297 at the rear of rails 293. Spring would try to “squirt” orinfluence carrier 234 to the fully open (but “soft open”). Mechanicalends stops 299 would prevent any further outward extension of carrier234.

As can be appreciated, carrier rails 260 could be relatively strongmetal in this embodiment, as could rails 250. They could be separatepieces that could be attached or mounted to the respective carrier orbase. But other materials could be possible.

The designer could select from a variety of materials according to needor desire, including the different materials for the under-bin glide(the dual rails 250/260 and any inserts or coatings). Carrier 234 couldbe plastic or analogous moldable materials such that features like rails293 and end stops 299 could be integrally molded into carrier 234.

FIGS. 3F and 3G illustrate in section how the assembled glide system isconfigured in this exemplary embodiment. Optional features are possible.One example is the ability to make rails 250 as a separate piece and usemachine screws to attach them to base 232 (see FIG. 3G). Other methodsof attachment are possible, as is molding the rails 250 and base 232together.

Dual Rail Low Friction Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 4A-4I shows still further exemplary embodiment (assembly 300). Italso takes advantage of at least the features of the precedingembodiments. The main differences are as follows.

This is also a dual rail system. However, FIGS. 4D-4I shows a part 370that is secured to base 332 for each bin carrier 334. Piece 370 hasbuilt-in opposite c-channels which effectively are the left and rightguide rails 350 on base 332. Those rails are within the bottom perimeterof its corresponding bin carrier 334 when carrier 334 is in homeposition. Complementary shaped carrier rails 360 (left and right) areattached to the bottom of carrier 334 and also within its perimeter.Those rails 360 have an edge flange that fits within a correspondingc-channel of base rails 360. Thus, dual rail glides are in place foreach bin carrier 334.

It should be appreciated that rails 350 could be of a material selectedto have low coefficient of friction relative to rails 360. It could alsohave a surface treatment of the same. Examples of such surfacetreatments include but are not limited to Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluoropolymer, or analogous dry film lubricants or coatings. Afew examples are 1000 series products from http://www.Whitfordww.com,specifically:

Product 1010 PA1 + PTFE 1052 PA1 + PTFE/M052 1058 PAT + FEP

As indicated in 4G, C shaped rails 360 could have a nylon glide pad (orsimilar low surface tension material) 361 inside them to promote lowfriction sliding.

Stamped glide plate 370 has internal raised tracks 372 which cancooperate with surface topography on the bottom of bin carrier 334 tofurther control side-to-side movement. By a single stamped piece ofdurable metal attached to base 332, much of both the under-bin glidesystem and a guidance system can be added to the storage system.

Soft close or home position features (not shown) could be added. Forexample, a device like device 270 could be positioned at location 374.

Horizontal Roller Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 5A-5H show a still further embodiment (assembly 400). Thisutilizes the same principle of base, bin carrier, and under-bin glidesor slides as previous embodiments. The main differences are as follows.

System 400 includes a base 432 that has opposite C-shaped rails 450 onbase 432 but within the perimeter dimensions of corresponding bincarrier 434 when it is in home position.

Both base 432 and carrier 434 have a pair of spaced-apart rails 450 and460, respectively that are used in the under-bin glide system. Carrierrails 460 are Bandied in the bottom of bin carrier 434. Base rails 450are formed in the top of base 432.

Two sets of rollers, one set of base plate rollers 452 are rotatable onvertical axes near the front edge of base 432. This pair of horizontalrollers 452 is spaced to frictionally engage the lateral sides ofcarrier rails 460. Two horizontal carrier rollers 462 are rotatablymounted and rotate about vertical axes near the back of bin carrier 434.This pair of horizontal rollers 462 is spaced to frictionally engage thelateral sides of base rails 450. As shown in FIG. 5D, rollers 452 followrails 460 of bin carrier 432. Wheels 462 follow guides 450 on base 432.In this manner smooth control of glide or slide is promoted. Wheels 462are shown in FIG. 5C without carrier 432, the underside of which theyare rotatably attached, to show how they cooperate with base rails 450.

One example of a type of wheel 452 or 462 is disclosed in a co-pending,co-owned U.S. patent application, entitled “Slide Assembly forRefrigerator Storage Drawer”, attorney docket number SUB-03621, andincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Such a wheel canpromote low friction and smooth gliding as well as durability.

FIGS. 5G and 5H illustrate the cooperation between rails 450 and 460 andwheels 462 and 452 as a carrier is pulled out from home position. Amechanical end stop 499 can be included on carrier 434 to work likeprior embodiments (provide an absolute end-of-travel mechanical stop).Soft open and close systems could be added.

FIGS. 6A-D show one example of a tolerance take-up wheel that could beutilized with assembly 400. An axle 453 has two mirror image pulleys 454spaced slightly apart along its length. One end of axle 453 is alsoexposed. Keyhole 458 in base 432 has a large portion (larger in diameterthan the largest diameters of pulleys 454) and a small keyhole portionsmaller than the largest diameter of pulleys 454 but just larger thanthe diameter of axle 453. This allows insertion of the axle and pulleysinto position as shown. Pulleys 454 have a larger diameter than thelarger part of keyhole 458 and thus act as a mechanical stop againstfurther movement upward or downward relative to keyhole 458. A wheel 452is then rotatably mounted on the exposed end of axle 453. A set ofsupport blocks 455 on the top and another mirror image set on the bottomof base 432 each hold a resilient band or spring 456 against acorresponding pulley 454. This constantly urges axle 453 to stay inextreme far end of the narrow part of key hole 458 (as shown in FIGS. 6Band 6D.

As can be appreciated, by forming keyhole 458 appropriately in the base(such as base 432 for example) so that the larger part of keyhole islateral or away from whatever track or rail wheel 452 is following whencarrier 434 is slide relative to base 432, some play or tolerance willbe resiliently allowed if the forces exceed the spring force ofcomponent 456. This tolerance take-up wheel assembly can be used by anyone, all, or a subset of wheels used in any under-bin glide systembetween a carrier and base. There could also be a separate take-up wheelassembly on one of the carrier or the base and some structure on theother of the carrier or the base which that wheel follows, apart fromthe glide system, to provide tolerance take-up or assisted guidance.

FIGS. 5I and 5J provide pictorial representations for at least oneconfiguration of the base 432 best illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D. In atleast one configuration, base 432 may include a shelf component 433 anda frame component 435. The shelf component 433 and frame component 435may be configured as separate pieces or modulated components. The shelfcomponent 433 may be configured with one or more of the wheels 452 andguides 450 as discussed above. The frame component 435 may include oneor more pin locations for locating the shelf component 433 on top of andrelative to the frame component 435 when the two are assembled. In atleast one configuration, the frame component 435 is configured with oneor more light modules 437. Like the shelf illustrated in FIG. 1H, thelight modules 437 include a frame circumscribing a glass component 439.FIG. 5J, which is a sectional view taken along line 5J-5J in FIG. 5I,provides a pictorial representation of the light module 437. The lightmodule 437 includes a light element 441 such as an LED strip or bar. Thelight module 437 is configured as a wave guide for directing light fromthe light element 441 across the glass component 439 for emitting lightfrom the glass component 439. The light element 441 may be configured soas to be electrically coupled to the electrically conductive strip 25illustrated in FIGS. 1C and H. Alternatively, the one or more lightelements 441 may be electrically coupled with the electrical system usedto power one or more functions or operations of the cabinet 12. Forexample, one or more light elements 441 may be wired to the electricalsystem of the cabinet 12 through wire routing 441 shown in FIG. 5I.According to at least one configuration, one or more lighting elements441 are used to provide illumination of one or more drawers, bins,shelves, or racks, or carriers of a drawer, bin, shelf, or rack spacedor disposed about the base 432. According to at least one otherconfiguration, shelf 426 illustrated in Figure SA may be configured withone or more light elements 441 similar to those shown and described inFIGS. 1A-1C, and 1H. Alternatively, shelf 426 illustrated in Figure SAmay be configured with one or more lighting elements 441 as pictoriallyrepresented in FIGS. 5I and 5J. Figure SA illustrates a pair of lightmodules 437 disposed within frame component 435. Other configurationsinclude a single light module disposed within frame component 435 ormultiple light modules 437 housed within frame 435. In at least oneother configuration, shelf module 433 may also be configured to includeone or more light modules 437 having one or more light elements 441 forilluminating shelf component 433. In this manner, one or more drawers,bins, shelves, racks, carriers of a drawer, bin, shelf or rack may beilluminated by shelf component 433 when operably disposed at top shelfcomponent 433 as described and pictorially represented herein.

Injection Molded Shelf and Glides

FIGS. 7A-7F show as still further exemplary embodiment (several levelsof assemblies 500). It takes advantage of at least most, if not all, ofthe features of preceding embodiments with the following specificdifferences.

Instead of a base plate that does not have a separate function otherthan supporting bins or bin carriers, one or more shelves 532 could bedistributed in refrigeration cabinet 12 and installed at a desiredelevation across the width of cabinet 12. Each shelf 532 could functionjust as that—a shelf. But it could have mounting holes 533 or the liketo receive one or more glide assemblies on its top surface. An examplewould be the center rail glide combination 50/60 of FIGS. 2A-2H.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-B, a shelf 532 could have screwed, bolted, orpinned thereto anywhere for one to four single rail glide halves 550. Asingle-wide bin 536 could have a corresponding single rail guide half560 attached to its bottom. In FIGS. 7A-F just two of the single-widebins 536 are shown. Another shelf 532 could be mounted in cabinet 12directly above, but slightly spaced from, the upper plane of bins 536 tofunction also as a cover to bins 536.

A difference of this embodiment is that the lower shelf 532 withunder-bin glide halves 550 serves as the analog of the base of priorembodiments. But there is no bin carrier. The other half of the glidecombination is connected directly to the bin 536. This could be thearrangement in any of the embodiments.

Note how this combination has a single piece injection-molded orotherwise produced shelf, two complementary glide rail halves and a bin.This combination has few parts, is economical, and yet retains theunder-bin slide concept.

Furthermore, as can be appreciated, as many as four glide halves 550 canbe mounted in mounting holes 533 on any shelf 532. A “single-wide” bin536 can be mounted on each glide half 550 to mount four single-wide binsacross the width of a shelf 532. Or two single-wides and one double-widecan by mounted (see FIG. 7F). But as indicated earlier, one single-wideand one triple-wide is possible. As is just one four-wide (see bottombin 536 in FIG. 7F).

FIG. 7F can also be used to understand certain advantages of theunder-bin glides according to the present exemplary embodiments. Otherbins 527 (or other storage components) that do not have under-bin glides(here hanging from glides above them) tend to have structure outside theperimeter of the bin and thus prevents the sides of adjacent bins frombeing positioned as closely as with under-bin glides. They could bemounted to mounting holes 533 on shelf 532 or two differently configuredshelves 526. The efficient use of lateral space (and vertical space) isillustrated with the under-bin glide assemblies of bins 536.

OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

As can be appreciated, the foregoing examples are for illustrativepurposes only. The invention can take many forms and embodiments.Variations obvious to those skilled in the art would be included withinthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular storage system, comprising: at leastone elongated, conductive strip disposed along the exterior of avertical rail in a wall; a shelf comprising a frame, wherein the framefurther comprises a bracket removably coupled with the vertical rail;and one or more lighting elements, the one or more lighting elementselectrically coupled to the at least one elongated, conductive strip. 2.The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises alighting frame having the one or more lighting elements.
 3. The modularstorage system of claim 2 wherein the frame conductively couples the oneor more lighting elements to the at least one elongated, conductivestrip.
 4. The modular storage system of claim 3 wherein the bracket iselectrically coupled between the one or more lighting elements and theat least one elongated, conductive strip.
 5. The modular storage systemof claim 2 wherein the shelf component has a first position and areconfigured position, wherein the at least one bracket is electricallycoupled to the at least one elongated, conductive strip in both thefirst and reconfigured positions.
 6. The modular storage system of claim2 wherein the one or more lighting elements are contained within aperimeter of the frame.
 7. The modular storage system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a base component spaced between opposite side walls of thecabinet; and a pull out component disposed on the base component, thepull out component having a bottom with side edges defining a perimeterand one or more guide members extending within the perimeter between anopposite pair of the side edges.
 8. The modular drawer and shelf ofclaim 7 further comprising a drawer component having a bottom with sideedges defining a perimeter and one or more guide members within theperimeter cooperating with one or more opposing longitudinally extendingguide members.
 9. The modular storage system of claim 8 wherein theframe comprises a lighting frame having the one or more lightingelements.
 10. The modular storage system of claim 9 wherein the one ormore guide members are secured to and extend downwardly from the bottomof the pull out component and configured to slidably engage one or morerails associated with the base component.
 11. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet having one or more chilled compartments with opposite sidewalls; a modular drawer system having: a. at least one rectilinearconductive element having a length greater than a width, wherein thelength of the at least one rectilinear conductive element is disposedalong the exterior of a vertical rail in a wall of the cabinet; b. abase component spaced between the side walls; c. at least onehorizontally adjustable component carried by the base component, thehorizontally adjustable component having a bottom with side edgesdefining a perimeter and one or more guide members extending within theperimeter between an opposite pair of the side edges; and d. at leastone of the components having one or more lighting elements, the one ormore lighting elements electrically coupled to the at least onerectilinear conductive element.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 11,further comprising a vertically adjustable component having a framespaced between the side walls, the vertically adjustable componentsupported in part by at least one bracket removably attached to thevertical rail.
 13. The refrigerator of claim 12 wherein the frame of thevertically adjustable component or the frame of the base componentfurther comprises the one or more lighting elements electrically coupledto the at least one rectilinear conductive element.
 14. The refrigeratorof claim 12 wherein the at least one bracket is electrically coupledbetween the one or more lighting elements and the at least onerectilinear conductive element.
 15. The refrigerator of claim 12 whereinthe at least one bracket is electrically coupled to the at least onerectilinear conductive element in a plurality of positions along thevertical rail.
 16. The refrigerator of claim 12 wherein the one or morelighting elements are spaced between a glass component housed within atleast one of the frame of the vertically adjustable component and theframe of the base component.
 17. A modular drawer and shelf system for acabinet, comprising: an interior comprising opposite side walls and arear wall; an electrically conductive strip originating at an electricalsource and terminating in one or more lighting elements, theelectrically conductive strip comprising two or more connectablecomponents; at least one elongated conductive element disposed exteriorto a surface of a vertical rail at the interior; and a first connectablecomponent supported between the side walls of the cabinet with at leastone bracket removably attached to the vertical rail; wherein the firstconnectable component and the vertical rail comprise an electricallyconductive pathway.
 18. The modular drawer and shelf system of claim 17further comprising a second connectable component removably supportedbetween the side walls of the cabinet; wherein the one or more lightingelements and the at least one elongated conductive element areelectrically coupled with a frame housing the first or secondconnectable component.
 19. The modular drawer and shelf system of claim17 wherein the first or second connectable component comprises two ormore positions on the vertical rail to electrically couple the first orsecond connectable component and the at least one elongated conductiveelement at the two or more positions along the vertical rail.
 20. Themodular drawer and shelf system of claim 17 wherein the first or secondconnectable component comprises a connectable drawer component having abottom with side edges defining a perimeter and one or more guidemembers within the perimeter cooperating with one or more opposinglongitudinally extending guide members.